Chapters

I always find it interesting when things don't turn out how you plan, but they still come out good, or sometimes better than originally anticipated.

That's has been the running theme of my life. I like to plan. I like to make lists and have a detailed idea of what I'm doing or where I'm going. But still I have rarely ended up where I thought I would.

That's why I focus more on the journey.

2007 was a hell of a wild wide. NOTHING went as planned, yet it was one of the most interesting years of my life and I am ending it in a better place than I thought I ever would be.

For that I need to thank my friends and family that have always been there, loving me unconditionally, encouraging me when I'm afraid of making choices, supporting me I don't feel like going further.

My relationship with Anthony, one that started from friendship, has blossomed to be one of the best things that has happened to me. I have found someone that complements my weaknesses, while enhancing my strenghts.

My new job is going to be full of challenges and learnings, allowing me to truly grow professionally.

My new city, London, is one of the most exciting and dynamic places in the world.

My family continues, to provide joy and amusement, and like my friends I don't see enough of them.

And to all my dear friends who I think of often, but then get to see much of, I await the day until we can chat, laugh, and rejoice face-to-face again. Until then thanks to the magic of telecommunications for making connecting to those far and wide easier.

Not bad for someone who started out the year in the hospital thinking we would be horribly disfigured for life :-)

Wishing you all a prosperous and joyful new year.

Pakistan Observations

As I try to sort out my pictures, I thought that I would at least start to muse over the experience.

Overall, I will say it was a very pleasant experience (except for the not so fresh pomegranate juice that gave me the runs). I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but it was definitely a pleasant surprise. Starting with the arrival on my first day, where the hotel pick-up guy knew about Puerto Rico because he had written a paper on the Spanish-American War - how freaking random is that!?

(Sidebar, how come all everyone ever knows about PR has to do with either Miss Universe, Ricky Martin, or boxing?)

Anyway, I do have some more stories that I will share as I figure out how to load up pictures again.

In the mean time, festive greetings to all in this holiday season.

Purpose

I keep vacillating about the true purpose of this little online journal of mine. It's original intent was as a way for my nearest and dearest - which happen to be scattered throughout the world - could keep tabs on my ever nomadic life.

But as my laziness sets in keeping it up proved to be a bigger challenge than I thought possible. Who knew that chronicling was so tiring!? And I'm actually not sure who is even reading this space these days, considering how lax I have been about posting.

Alas, I still see great value here. It actually is pretty cathartic to vent out your angst into a public forum - it saves overburdening those you love. But also, you may find you have more in common with the global village than your own backyard.

This is just my random thought for the day in cold and dreary London, as I adjust back to work, back to life, and back to my senses.

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FYI - I realised that I need a better picture editing software for my Mac before I can post my pics. I need to be able to re-size them, any suggestions for a good program?

Finally Reached Home

After a whirlwind tour of Pakistan (seven cities in 14 days), I finally reached home on 12/Dec, only to turn right around and head to Munich for the Christmas Markets with Anthony. What this means is that I am tired and a bit slow. Pictures and commentary of Pakistan will be forthcoming and I'll leave it up to Anthony (who is a much quicker blogger than me) to post Munich - unless he doesn't post particularly good pics of me.

World AIDS Day

Today is used as a day of remembrance and awareness for those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Last year I gave a lot of statistics, this year I'll show you a video.



If you have been keeping track of the news release regarding the new UNAIDS figures, and they being significantly lower than previous estimates (33 million from 40 million), just remember that's still a helluva people infected.